If the world were a football pitch, technology would be the referee—blowing the whistle for missed chances, scored goals, and red cards for falling behind. Bright Simons, the celebrated thinker and innovator, delivered a clear message at Presec-Legon’s 86th Anniversary: Ghana must embrace Artificial Intelligence (AI) to stay relevant in the global race or risk being left behind.
Simons dismissed the common excuse that Ghana must fix basic problems before focusing on AI. “Backwardness is not an option,” he declared. He compared clinging to outdated technology—like 2G phones in a 5G world—to fumbling in the dark while others surge ahead. The AI revolution, he explained, is the tide that will separate the winners from the losers.
He described AI as a puppet master, commanding other technologies. Unlike a trotro driver navigating Accra’s potholes, AI doesn’t just react—it leads. Ghana, he warned, must master this “steering technology” or remain a spectator as the world moves forward.
Simons shared the success story of his company, mPedigree, which used AI to track counterfeit medicines in Nigeria—a feat even the U.S. hadn’t achieved. “Sometimes, only AI will do,” he said, emphasizing that AI is not a luxury for wealthy nations but a necessity for solving complex problems.
He highlighted the need to simplify decision-making for leaders, pointing out how AI-powered dashboards can transform complex data into clear insights. He shared an example of a politician juggling twenty meetings a day with no time for lengthy reports. “It’s not gonna work,” he said bluntly, stressing the importance of tools that make governance efficient.
Although Africa contributes only 0.3% of global AI research, Simons remained optimistic. He praised Presec’s new AI lab as a sign of hope and urged students to seize this moment. “Don’t feel inferior,” he said, pointing to Presec alumni making strides in global fields like neuromorphic engineering. AI, he reminded the audience, will touch every part of life, from construction to education.
Simons concluded with a challenge: “This is your moment.” The world is watching to see if Ghana will step up or stick to excuses. “If the drum beats for you, you must dance,” he urged. AI is the rhythm of progress, and the choice is ours to lead or be left behind. Let the dance begin.
5 Key Lessons from Bright Simons Speech at Presec’s 86th Anniversary
- No Time for Excuses: “Backwardness is not an option.” Ghana must embrace AI now or risk being left behind in the global race.
- The Puppet Master: AI is not just a tool; it’s the master technology driving innovation and leading other systems.
- Only AI Will Do: Some challenges—like tracking fake medicines—can only be solved with AI. Traditional methods won’t cut it.
- Simplify for Leaders: AI dashboards can distill complex data into simple insights, helping leaders focus on decisions instead of being buried in reports.
- Brains, Not Brawn: Presec’s AI lab symbolizes hope for Ghana’s future. AI is for everyone, from builders to teachers, and now is the time to embrace it.
Simons’ message was simple: the future is here, and AI is the key to Ghana’s success.
